Internal-combustion turbine power plant



Oct. 14, 1952 N. c. PRICE 2,613,501

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER PLANT Filed June 2, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet l s f-%% f INVENTOR.

NATHAN C.PRIOE 260 '65 I 7 am By 234 23| Agent Oct. 14, 1952 N. 1:. PRICE 2,613,501

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER PLANT Filed June 2, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. NATHAN 0. PRICE gent Oct. 14, 1952 c. PR 13, 0

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER PLANT Filed June 2, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. NATHAN C. PRlCE BY 2 Agent Oct. 14, 1952 N. c. PRICE 2,613,501

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER PLANT Filed June 2, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 76 2 I J1 fi- INVENTOR.

NATHAN C. PRlCE Agent Oct. 14, 1952 N. c. PRICE INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER PLANT 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 2, 1945 INVENTOR.

. NATHAN 0. PRICE Agent Oct. 14, 1952 N. c. PRICE 2,513,501

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER FLANT I Filed June 2, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 l z 38 2 so fi 1s INVENTOR. NATHAN PRICE Agent Patented Oct. 14, 1952 em." OFFICE INTERNAL-COMBUSTION TURBINE POWER 7 PLANT Nathan C. Price, Hollywood, Calif., assignor to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank, Calif.

Application June 2, 1945, Serial No. 597,308

Claims. 1

This invention relates to prime movers, and relates more particularly to internal combustlon gas turbines. It is a general object of thepresent invention to provide an internal combustion gas turbine structure especially adapted for, although not restricted to, embodiment in relatively small power plants having a wide range of application.

The present invention is suitable for embodiment in gas turbines for driving the propellers and rotors of small and medium small aircraft, as an auxiliary power plant for larger aircraft, for the starting of power plant units, as the driving engine of land vehicles and small vessels, and as a general purpose stationary and portable power plant. Although minor modifications may be necessary or desirable for certain adaptations, the characteristics of the turbine mechanism of the invention give it substantially universal applicability in the field of small and relatively small power plants. I

The internal combustion gas turbines hereto-v fore introduced and suggested, have either been designed for specific purposes or for employment in limited fields, and the design and operating characteristics have restricted their range of utility. Initial cost is an important factor in general utility power plants, and for the most part, the gas turbines heretofore proposed have been prohibitively expensive for general usage. Weight and size of the power plant are also of importance, particularly in the case of power plants for land, air and marine vehicles. Another factor essential to the all-around applicability of power plants that has not been adequate. ly provided for in the internal combustion gas turbine field is the inclusion of accessories and controls. To adapt the power plant for general utility, it should embody a startin system, a lubricating system, an ignition system and a conveniently operable control, all contained in or forming integral parts of the power plant. In other words, the plant should be a complete selfcontained unit, suitable for immediate installation without the necessity of obtaining and installing auxiliary or secondary equipment.

It is, therefore, an important object of this invention to provide a small, compact internal combustion gas turbine power plant that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate, and which constitutes a complete self-contained unit. The power plant of the invention is small, light in weight and of a configuration which readily adapts it for installation in practically any situation. When considered in relation to the weight and The power output is exceptionally high overall dimensions, and the construction of the plant assures a high efficiency of operation. The unit is complete in itself, including a starting system and ignition system, a lubricating system, a fuel injection system, a simple control and speed governor, and an auxiliary electric generator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power plant of the character referred to embodying a single rotor carrying a row of compressor vanes and a series of rows of gas turbine buckets, the single rotor operating in conjunction with a counter-rotating compressor-turbine ring provided with compressor vanes which 00- operate with rotating impeller blading and with stationary diiluser blading to effect a high compression ratio, and thereby bring about highly efficient operation. The floating ring is driven by a row of reaction turbine blading operating in the discharge throat of the combustion chamber, which blading absorbs only a minor proportion of the energy from the expanding air and gases of combustion. The counter-rotating turbine blading in the throat or nozzle of the combustion chamber eliminates the necessity for a nozzle ring at the entrance to the expansion zone of the gasturbine proper. 7

It is another object of the invention to provide an internal combustion gas turbine power plant unit in which the compressor-turbine rotor is internally cooled by the flow of lubricating oil and externally cooled by air flow. A multiplicity of passages in the peripheral portion of the rotor circulate the lubricating oil at a substantial velocity to carry away the heat from the turbine portion of the rotor while the rear bearing part of the rotor is cooled by the oil flow and by the flow of cooling air through an internal annular chamber of the bearing. Heat is conducted away from the compressor portion of the rotor wheel by the air handled by the compressor as well as by the internal lubricating, oil flow. The transierence of heat to the rapidly moving oil in the multiplicity of peripheral passages and to the flowing air, prevents overheating of the rotor and turbine blading and the disposition of the passages is such that the highly stressed central portion of the rotor may be left solid.

It is another object of the invention to provide a power plant of the class referred to characterized by a compact and advantageous relationship of elements efiecting a saving of weight and material and increasing the all around efficiency of the plant. The floating counter-rotating compressor-turbine ring is in surrounding relation tothe principal compressor-turbine rotor to have its diffuser blading interposed between and in concentric relation to the compressor blading of the rotor and the stationary diffusers, and the combustion chamber is in turn in spaced surrounding relationship to the rotor, and is arranged to have its discharge throat directed radially inwardly at an end of the floating ring so that the gases of combustion act' upon the turbine buckets of the floating ring before entering the expansion zone of the turbine. Efficiency is further increased, and size and weight are reduced by arranging the regenerator or heat exchanger-within themain air flow channel from the compressor and in a position to receive the gaseous discharge from the turbine, the air storage tank forthe star-.ting'system being within a space defined by the tubular heat exchanger, thereby utilizing this otherwise unoccupied space. The advantageous relationship of power plant elements facilitates the employment of parts and elements of particularly effective construction and operation. For example, the annular combustion chamberv may have a major cylindrical portion receiving the preheated compressed air from the heat exchanger and a forward portion of inwardly diminishing capacity curving inwardly to discharge radially into the turbine, the configuration ofthe chamber reducing turbulence to a minimum.

A, further object of the invention is to provide a power plant of the character referred to above, embodying a starting system which utilizes the aircompressor and fuel pump of the fuel injecting system to supply air and fuel underpressure to an accumulator tank with an automatic sequence control for governing the igniting and delivery of the air and fuel mixture from the tank to a-starting nozzle which directs the air and combustion gases against the buckets of the-floating ring to spin the counter-rotating diffuser blades. A motor-generator energized by a battery current, initially drives the air compressor of the fuel injection system to supply the air pressure to the accumulator tank, and also drives thelubricating pump and the fuel pump to prelubricate the various bearings of the power plant and to-build up fuel pressure. The sequencecontrol,providesfor the correctly related or timed operation of the air starting valve, the diversionof the air pressure and fuel to the fuel injecting ring, and the .en-.

ergization of the fuel igniting glow plugto initiate power plant operation. The starter motor and auxiliary generator, the fuel and oil pumpsand other accessories are incorporated in a compact assembly removably secured to the housing of the main plant unit for convenient installation, serve icing and replacement.

A further object of the invention is to provide apower plant of the class referred to wherein the speed of operation is governed by the pressure developed by a special fuel pump having .substantially flat-curve operating characteristics. The discharge pressure of the fuel pump varies approximately in accordance with the square of the turbine speed irrespective of fuel flow ratechange accompanying change of altitude. The manual control is operable to adjust a spring pressure being exertedagainst a discharge-pressureoperated throttle valve at the discharg side of the fuel pump. By selected adjustment or operation of the manual control, a constant speed setting is obtained which is substantially unaffected by altitude, load or other external conditions. The employment of fuel pressure as a governing medium or factor imparts a positive safety feature because a failure of the fuel supply or fuel pressure will result in a reduction of power plant speed and cannot cause overspeedin which might result from the failure of a governor system or means of a different type.

Other objectives and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a typical preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a power plant of this invention arranged in an enclosing shroud, the shroud appearing in longitudinal cross section;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the auxiliary unit and adjacent parts of the power plant;

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view of one of the bearings;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bearing illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged horizontal crosssectional view of the forward major portion of the power plant;

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the rear portion of the power plant taken in a view of a portion ,of the power plant with certain,

parts appearing in side elevation;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the starting means, the fuel injecting system, the speed control, and associated parts;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary-detailed sectional view illustrating the bearing means of the counter-rotating ring;

Figure 12 is a transverse detailed sectional view of the bearing means shown in Figure 11 taken on line l2-l2 on Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of buckets of the turbine illustratin the manner of anchoring the same;

Figure 14 is an elevation view of the compressor-turbine rotor of the power plant;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a portion of the power plant illustrating certain of the lubricant passages; and

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the diffuser blading embodied in the compressor.

The power plant of'this invention has a wide range of application, and is capable of variation and modification to adapt it for specific uses. In Figure 1, I have illustrated an installation primarily adapted for the propulsion of aircraft, and the like, and I will herein describe this embodiment and application, it being understood that such illustration and description is merely by way of example and is not to be taken as restricting the invention either as to scope or application.

The apparatus of this invention may be said to comprise generally the following primary elements; a tubular shroud S, and a power plant P in the shroud, including compressor means ID, a heat exchanger I I receiving the compressed air from the compressor means, a combustion chamber l2, and turbine means l3 receiving the air and combustion gases from the chamber I2 and serving to drive the propeller blading B in the shroud S. The apparatus further includes a lubricant supply system IS, a fuel supplysystem (6, starting means [1, and a speed governing means I 8.

5 Theshroud or envelope S is not essential to the operation of the other elements of the apparatus, but is illustrated as an appurtenance to the power plant and its driven propeller blading B as employed in aircraft propulsion. The shroud S is an elongate tubular member of selected construction and material having an open rearwardly divergent forward end. The rear end of the shroud S is likewise open, but is rearwardly convergent for the discharge of the airstream from the propeller blading B, and the air and gases of combustion from the power plant to obtain a reaction propulsive effect, it being understood that the primary propulsive effect is obtained by the in-tube propeller blading B and the reactive propulsive thrust resulting from the discharge from the power plant is merely additive thereto. The envelope or shroud is designed to contain and support the power plant P and may be conveniently installed or embodied in the aircraft.

The power plant P embodies a housing assembly for containing the several aforementioned elements. This assembly includes an intermediate section 21 which is an annular or tubular member that may be constructed as a casting of dural, or the like. The rear portion of the housing section 2! presents a cylindrical external wall, while the forward portion of the section is frusto-conical, tapering forwardly and inwardly. A forward housing section 22 is secured to the forward end of the section 2| by circumferentially spaced cap screws or bolts 23 in such a manner thatupon removing the bolts, the section 22 may be moved forwardly and detached to expose the interiors of the sections 2| and 22.

A separately formed generally cylindrical member 24 is secured within the intermediate section 2 i, being entered into the forward end of the section to have a flange 25 engage against an abutment 26 on the section. Sealing rings 27! are engaged in axially spaced grooves in the periphery of the internal member 24 to seal with the interior of the intermediate casing section 2| it being understood that the member it is sta ionary with respect to the section 2!. A third hollow or tubular casing section 28 is secured to the rear end of the intermediate section 2! by elongate screws or bolts 29 extending through axial openings in the wall of the intermediate section and threaded into bosses 3i) on a clamp ring Ti. 1

Upon removing the bolts 29, the section 28 may be detached rearwardly to expose the internal parts. In addition to the housing sections just described, the casing assembly includes an elongate tubular shell 3! of stainless steel, or the like,.attached to the ring H and extending rearwardly therefrom to enclose the regenerator i I, as will be hereinafter described.

The power plant P may be mounted in the tu-= bular shroud S in any selected or appropriate manner. In Figure l, I have shown circumferentially spaced lugs 32 projecting from the intermediate housing section 2| and supporting arms 33 secured to the lugs to project to the wall of the shroud S. The arms 33 are suitably fixed to the shroud S and are preferably streamlined in transverse cross section. The power plant P is concentrically disposed within the shroud S and is spaced from its wall to leave an annular air passage 34 of substantial capacity.

The compressor means it includes a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced inlet ducts or passages 35 extending inwardly and rearwardly through the wall of the intermediate casing section 2| and its internal member 24. The air transverse cross section. As best illustrated in Figure 5, the inlet passages 35 gradually diminish in capacity in a rearward direction and an annular compressor chamber 37 is provided in the member 2 3 at the rear ends of the passages. Acoustical insulating material M such as cork and a binder, felted material, or felt, is provided on the walls of the forward portions of the induction passages 35 to reduce to a minimum the undesirable sound frequently produced at the air induction openings of power plants of this class.

The compressor means If! further includes a main or central rotor R and a surrounding counter-rotating ring 68, both carrying blading. In accordance with the invention, the rotor R is a combined compressor-turbine wheel carrying both compressor blading and turbine buckets. The rotor R is. arranged coaxially within thehousing assemblyand is journaled at its opposite ends. The member 2 1 has an inwardly or upwardly extending substantially radial web 38 which carries an integral supporting boss or journal boss 3Q. A similar upwardly projecting web 40 is provided on a member I I5 at the rear of the easing section 28 and carries a journal or bearing box ii. The rotor R is preferably a precision casting of chromium steel and the preferred method of fabricating the rotor will be later described. The rear end of the rotor R is provided with a reduced trunnion or axle 42 supported in the journal box "if by a bearing 53. A shaft 44 is press fitted, or otherwise secured, in a central opening A5 in the forward end of the rotor R, and a journal bushing M3 is pressed onto the forward portion of the shaft. The rotor shaft 44 with its bushing 46 is supported in the socket of the boss 39 by a suitable bearing 41.

While any selected type of bearing may be employed to mount the rotor R, I prefer to utilize the segment type combination radial and axial thrust form of bearing illustrated in Figures 3 and a. I have employed the reference numeral 53 to designate the bearing illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, it being understood that the following description of the bearing is also applicable to the bearing ll. The bearing 43 may be a silverplated precision steel casting, although it may be practical to construct the bearing from sheet stock or tubing. The bearing is a tubular onepiece member provided with circumferentially spaced rectangular openings or windows 48. Flexible resilient tongues 49 project from the leading end walls of the openings 48 and extend circumferentially in a direction counter to the direction of rotation of the journaled part. The inner surfaces of the tongues 49 cooperate with the shaft or journaled member, but th tongues are of reduced thickness so that their outer surfaces are depressed relative to the external surface of the bearing. It will be understood how the rearwardly directed flexible resilient tongues 49 are effective in assuming the radial thrusts or loads, and maintain lubricant films at or between the journal and bearing surfaces. An end portion of the bearing 43 has a series of circumferentially spaced substantially L-shapecl slots 56 defining flexible resilient tongues 51. The tongues 5! are each supported at one end only, and project from these anchored ends in the same direction as the tongues 49; that is, in a direction counter to the direction of rotation of the journaled part. The end-thrust-assuming tongues 5! present extensive end surfaces for 7. cooperatingwith the thrustsurfaceof therotating part. The'resilient fingers or tongues i adequately' carry the end thrusts and providefor the retention of oil layers or films at or between the-end thrust surfaces. A pin 216 projecting from the opposite end of the bearing holds the bearing against rotation.

The forward portion of the rotor R has stepped cylindrical parts 52 freely receivedin corresponding openings 53in the above mentioned member 24; see-Figure 5. It is preferred to provide labyrinth type seals 54 in the openings 53. to reduce the leakage of air under pressure into the interior of the'section 2!. These seals are located forwardly. of the aforementioned compressor chamber 31'.

Theannular compressor chamber 37 is defined by awall 55' of the casing member 24 and an external surface of the rotor R. These partsvare shaped andrelated so that the chamber 31 extendsin a rearward direction from the inner extremities of the vanes 35', and then curves substantially radially outward. As best illustrated in Figuresfi and 11, the rotor R has an intermediate portion 56" of increased external diameter, and the forward face of this enlarged part forms one wall of the outwardly extending portion of the compressor chamber 37. The compressor chamber 31' decreases in capacity in the direction of air flow, having a relatively small annular exit at'the cylindrical'peripheral surfaces of the member 2'4 and rotor portion 56; Impeller or compressor 'vanes- 51 are provided on the rotor R for operation in the chamber 31. The vanes 51 extendalong the root or hub portion of the rotor and continue along the forward face of the rotor enlargement 56 to its periphery. The tips or outer edges of the compressor vanes 51 conform to but have suitable clearance with the curved internal surface of the wall 55. As shown in Figure 14,,the vanes. 51 have curved forward portions and'substantially axial rear portions with the rear extremities leaned or curved forwardly relative to the direction of rotation.

In-addition to the set of compressor vanes 5! just described, the compressor means l6 includes a row of counter rotating diffuser blades 58 and arow of stationary diffuservanes 59, all serving to effect a high compression ratio. The counterrotating diffuser blades 58 are carried by the aforementioned ring 66 surrounding the cylindrical surfaces of the rotor R and the member 24. The diffuser vanes 58 are positioned in an annular passage 6| leading substantially radially through the ring 66, the passage extending from the-exit of the compressor chamber 31 to the periphery of the ring. The entrance of the passage fil is-convergent, while the exit is outwardly divergent, the two passage portions joining at a restricted throat spaced a short distance from the entrance. The diffuser vanes 58 extend axially through the passage 6! to connect the opposite end portions of the ring 66 and are of streamlined or airfoil shape in cross section as best illustrated in Figure 16; It will be seen from this figure of the drawings that'the diffuser vanes 58 are set at a substantial angle to the radial, and are formed and related to define substantially Venturi shaped air passages. These passages are relatively wide at their mouths, become restricted at the zones of greatest camber-of the vanes, and then gradually flare or increase in capacity to the periphery of the ring 60. As will be later described, the ring 66 is driven by a row of reaction turbine buckets I02 in the throat of the combustion chamber H to rotatecounterto; the

rotor: R1. There isa considerable;differential inv the speed of the rotor R and the ring 66. For

example, the rotor Rmay have a tip speed of approximately 1300 feet, per second, while the ring 6.0: may have a tip speed of about 700 feet persecond.

The casing section 28 has a pair of spaced curvedwalls 62 and 66 defining an outlet orrair discharge passage 64 for the compressor means. This passage 64' curves radially and rearwardly from the outlet of the diffuser passage SI of the.

ring 66', and is of increasing capacity toward'its rearend. A series of stationary diffuser vanes 59 58; overlies the rear side of i the counter-rotatingring 60, and is provided with a-laby-rinth seal to minimize leakage between the-passage B4 and the combustion chamber l2. The other wall 62 of the passage 64 may merely closely engage about the periphery of thecounter-rotating ring 60, and a seal at this point is not required, as a minor leakage of air under pressure into sections 2| and 22 is not undesirable.

It is preferred to provide seals between the rotor R and the counter-rotating ring 60 at the opposite-side of the passage 6|. A simple sealing ring 66 set in a groove in the periphery of the rotor is all that is required forwardly of the passage 6|, but it is important to provide a heat resistant sealing means rearwardly of the passage. As illustrated in detail in Figure 8, an annular groove T0 of square or rectangular transverse cross section is provided in the periphery of the rotor R to contain this seal means. The seal is made up of two parts, each of about extent to facilitate assembly. Each part comprises a section 6'! of Invar steel, or the like. The sections 61 are proportioned to conform to the groove 16 with suitable tolerance and are provided at their forward faces with channels 68. The channels or grooves 68 terminate adjacent the ends of the sections 61 and contain inserts 69 of carbon. The sections 6'! are expanded or urged outwardly by centrifugal force to seal outwardly against the ring 66 while the carbon inserts 69 efiectively seal axially against the wall of the groove 70 to prevent the leakage of the expanding gases from the turbine, and are substantially unaffected by the high temperatures.

Any selected type of bearing means may be provided for the counter-rotating ring 60, but I prefer to employ the three directional segmental bearings illustrated. An annular groove 'H is provided in the internal surface of the ring 66, and a series of spaced radial bores or openings 12 extends through the wall 55 from the chamber 31 to the peripheral surface of the wall. Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, it will be seen that the bearing means comprises segments 13 conforming generally to the groove H. These blocks or segments 73 are capable of limited play or movement in the groove under the influence of axial and radial thrusts, and are anchored by means which permit such limited movement and thereby provide for the trapping and retention of layers and bodies ofoil at the bearing surfaces. These anchoring means comprise pins 74 introduced outwardly through the openings '12 and provided with spherically curved outerends for engaging in correspondingly shaped sockets 15 in the segments 13. The sockets 15 are in the trail ing end portions of the segments it relative to the direction of rotation of the ring 60. Heads at the inner ends of the pins M are threaded in the openings Z2 and bottom against shoulders l on the walls of the opening to assure retention of the bearing segments is without interfering with their freedom of movement. It will be seen that the bearing segments are retained for sub stantially universal movement to various positions depending upon the load and thrust conditions, and when in these positions, layers or bodies of lubricant are received in the slight spaces between the surfaces of the floating segments and the walls of the groove H The means for supplying lubricant to the bearing will be subsequently described.

Summarizing the above detailed description, it will be seen that the compressor means in embodies the multiplicity of inlet passages 35 receiving air from the annular passage 34 of the shroud S and delivering it to the compressor chamber 31, the compressor blading 5'! operating in the chamber 31, the diffuser vanes 58 of the counter-rotating ring 69, and the stationary diffuser vanes 59 in the annular compressor discharge passage 64.

The air under pressure supplied by the compressor means It passes through the regenerator or heat exchanger l l to the combustion chamber 62. The heat exchanger H includes the above mentioned tubular shell 31 extending rearwardly from the casing ring if. As above described the screws 29 pass through openings in a flange portion of the casing section '23 and thread into lugs 3| on the ring part ll associated with the section. The forward end of the shell 3| is secured to the ring part Ti as by welding. The shell 3! may be a simple tubular cylindrical element of stainless steel, or the like. An inturned annular lip 13 is provided at the rear end of the shell, and a tublar discharge fitting 19 is engaged with the lip to extend rearwardly from the power plant. A suitable fairing or shroud 80 may continue rearwardly from the shell 3|, and has an inner part engaged on a bead at the rear end of the fitting 19. A tubular partition 8| of Inconnel or other suitable material is arranged within a shell 3| in spaced concentric relation thereto, leaving an annular passage 42 which extends rearwardly from the above described discharge passage Eifil of the compressor means it). The forward end of the partition 8| is secured to the wall 63, while the rear end of the partition terminates in a flange at the flanged portion of the fitting l5. A ring 82' is arranged within the wall or partition 85, and carries studs 85 which serve to connect the lips or flanges of the fitting l8 and the partition ti. A suitable sealing ring 83 of asbestos, or the like, is provided between the ring 82 and the wall of the discharge fitting 19.

The heat exchanger it further includes an annular bundle of tubes 84 arranged axially within the partition 85. The tubes as may be formed of electric seam welded tubing, and their forward ends are secured in openings in a partition plate 35 arranged at the rear end of the above described wall 53. The rear portions of the tubes 84 curve outwardly and are engaged or secured in radial openings in the rear portion of the partition 85. This bending or curving of the tubes provides for an efficient gradual change in the direction of flow of the air under pressure, and the curved portions of the tubes 84 are in outwardly diverging relation to provide for the free exhaust of the turbine gases of combustion from the heat exchanger. The partition may be reinforced at the tube'openings. It is preferred to arrange the tubes 84 in spaced concentric rows with the tubes of each row spaced apart circumferentially. This provides a compact arrangement and permits the free flow of the air under pressure and the free flow of the combustion gases from the turbine I3 around the several individual tubes. the compressor means If! flows rearwardly from the annular passage 82 and enters the rear ends of the tubes as to flow through the tubes to the combustion chamber l2. An exchange of heat between the discharge gases and air occurs during the flow of air through the passage 82 and the tubes 84, whereby the air is preheated as it flows to the combustion chamber, thus materially increasing the thermal efficiency of the power plant.

The combustion chamber 52 is an annular, or substantially annular zone located rearwardly of the counter-rotating ring and the wall 63 of the compressor means I6, and is in surrounding relationship to the turbine means i3. As best seen in Figure 5, the above mentioned wall 83 which defines the rear wall of the air compressor discharge passage 64, extends rearwardly to the partition 8! of the heat exchanger H. A second tubular wall 89 spaced some distance within the wall 63 is arranged in generally concentric relation thereto. The walls 63 and 89 may be connected with the web ii! of the section H5 and have substantially cylindrical rear portions. These two spaced walls define the combustion zone. The forward portions of the walls 53 and 89 curve forwardly and radially inward in convergent relation to define the gradually restricted throat of the combustion chamber.

A shroud 8&3 is spaced within the outer wall 63 and a similar shroud 99 is spaced outwardly from the inner wall 89. The shrouds, are formed of heat resistant material, and are in spaced generally parallel relation to their respective walls 63 and 89 to leave cooling air passages ill and 92 of substantially uniform capacity. The protective shrouds extend from adjacent the partition 8'5 forwardly to points well within the curved diminishing exit throat of the combustion chamber. A portion of the relatively cool air delivered by the tubes t l flows forwardly through the cooling passage 8! and cooling air is supplied to the passage 92, as will be later described, to protect the partitions and the walls 63 and 89 against the high temperatures generated in the combustion chamber. The cooling air leaves the forward ends of the passages 9| and 92 to continue forwardly along the surfaces of the combustion chamber throat to form protective boundary layers thereon of relatively cool air.

As indicated by the arrows in Figure 5, the compressed preheated air from the heat exchanger tubes 86 flows forwardly into the combustion chamber for passage therethrough to the turbine Iii. The combustion chamber embodies a harness ring or manifold shroud 309 for protecting rings which inject a liquid fuel and air mixture into the rear portion of the chamber. This shroud is a substantially circular structure having its ends anchored at the web ti! and is arranged to be substantially midway between the shrouds 83 and 9%). Figure '7 of the drawings illustrates the fuel injecting rings on an enlarged scale Where it will be seen that The air under pressure from the vinjecting means includes a hollow" rear,.tri1 l section 93 of substantiallyrectangular cross sec:- tion,; and a forward hollow ringsection 9,4 of

generally rectangular cross section; havin rounded. forward vwall. Elements of ,the, fuel supply system I6, subsequently described,,supply fuel and air under pressureto ports 953and. 06in;

the :web 40, which parts communicatewith the interiors of the rings 93'and 9 tlrespectively, as shownin FigureVQU The inner and, outer walls of f the ring 94.1 haverows of circumferentially spaced-airorifices 91, which dischargethrough ports. Bill in theshroud 300; and ,the walls of .the fuel'ring :93..have angular or diagonal orifices joiningthe orifices 91. The orifices 98v discharge into the orifices 91 adjacent, their outer 4 ends, andthe jets of fuel issuing'thereirom arelgenerallyitransverse Withrespect tothe airstreams issuing from the orifices Ell. With this relationship, the jets of fuel are sheared off as they issue fromthe. ports 88 so that the fuel is thoroughly broken up and admixed .with air for full uniform combustion as the mixture travels, forwardly through the combustion chamber.

Means are preferably provided. to impart a swirling or rotary motion to the air entering the combustion chamber from the heat exchanger tubes 84. This means comprises a series or row of swirl .vanes I00uextending radially between theshroud 88 and theinjection rings 93 and 04, and i a, similar, rowv of vanes. IOI extending between the injection rings and the shroud 90;v The vanes I001and IOI are formed and pitched .to impart a swirling motionto the streams of air flowing at each side of thefuel injecting rings, and this motion of theair assists in bringing'about a uniform distribution of .the fuel and air mixture and in. producing an effective fiamestream As mentioned above; the counter-rotatingring 60 is :driven or operated. by a row of reaction type turbineblades I02; The blades I02"project axially-from the rear-end of the ring 60 to project into the'v constricted exits throat of the combustion chamber; The-rear end surface of the ring 60 opposes the .wall 89,' and together therewith,

forms the throat pr nozzle which introduces the gases of combustion and heated air into the turbine I3ata high velocity. The buckets I02 are proportioned so th'at'their tips have only slight working clearance with the opposing wall 89.

The bucl 'ets.I02 arranged as described and illustrated, absorb'only a small proportion of the energy of the gases and air in driving the ring 60, and their provision at the nozzle .Of the combustion chamber eliminates the necessity for providing-a nozzle ring between-the combustion chamber and the turbine expansion zone, thus reducing the-manufacturing costs. The counterrotating ring maybe a-precision casting of heat treatable chromium steel'and is preferably fabricated in the same manner as the rotor R. The mode-of forming the=rotor R is described below.

Provision is made for lubricatingv the bearings of the=combination compressor and turbine ring 60, and for internally coolingthe ring. An annular passage I I0 is provided'in the ring 60. in adjacent relation to the buckets I02, and a series ofports-I09 lead from the above described bearing groove II to the passage. An oil supply passage I83 is formed in thecasing member 24 to lar cooling passage'ullfl and discharges into an;

annular trough H3: formed on; the; member 24. The: ports- "19- and; I I2, are substantially apartandgpass axially through blades158iof the ring 60. AreturnpassageI'IS in the member 24, conveysthe returning-oil fromthetrough II3 to. the, general lubricating system, asnwillbe later described. The trough I I3 further serves totrap oil that:1eaks or passes forwardly between the counter-rotating'ring 60 and the cylindrical surface ,of 'themember; 24.7 It will b seen that the lubricating oil supplied to, thepassage and, port system just described, effectively lubricates the bearings of the countererotating rin -50, and in addition, cools the portion of the, ring which'l subject to the high temperaturegases ,actingon. thelblading I02 jof the ring.

The turbine I 3 :includesthe rearrportion, of the rotor R which presents asubstantially cylindrical external surface, Therear faceaofithe intermediate rotor enlargement 56; is curved to merge with the cylindrical rotorsurface. The above de scribed Wall 89, which' isa-split precision, casting; has a tubular-portion I 04 in surrounding relation to thecylindrical rotor part to constitute-the turbine housing, and to leave or definetheannular expansion zoneof thaturbine. This wall portion I04-presents a-steppedrearwardly divergent internal surface so that the-expansion zone of the turbine is-of rearwardlyincreasing capacity. The for-wardend of the wall, portion I04 curves in substantiallyconcentric relationgto the curved rear face of the rotor-enlargement 56 toprovide the expansion chamber of the rotorwithacurved direction-changing entrance. A row of Francis type :turbinebladingI 05-is, provided on the rotor R to oPerate-inthis,curved entrance,- and to be acted-upon by theaexpanding gases as they enter therexpansion, zone, of the turbinenafter leaving. the buckets-I02 ofthecounter-rotating ring; 60. he cylindricalp0rtic2m0f,therotor R. is pr v ed with several spacedrQWs of impulse I type buckets I06, and theturbine-casing walljlM carries rows of v intermediates or; stator, blades I01 standin between the adjacent-rows of rotor'blades I05 d 4 helst r ades I01 m y be. cast integrally with-the casing. wall I04; The axial flow velocity of th gases in theturbinenwill usually rangefrom about1500 feet per second to 2000 feet per; second, and; the rotor R will have a tip speedofabout 1300 feetpersecond,

The structure includes; a; turbine discharge member; I I5 for directing the turbine discharge gases into the heat exchanger II. Thismember H5 may be secured to or formed integrally with thevweb 40 and hasanvannular flange or sleeve llfi engaglng around therear portion of the turbine wall I04 'to aid in supporting the same. An annular collector chamber II! is formed in the member I I5 at the rear end of the expansion zone of the turbine, and a plurality of spaced'outwardly and rearwardly curved ducts II8 extends through-the member to the heat exchanger I I. A cylindrical flange I I9 is formed at the rear end of the memberl I5 and carries arearwardly extending tube or shell I 20; which constitutes the innerwall of the-heat exchanger II, The shell I20 is'spaced within the tubular bundles of tubes 84. Asindicated by the arrows in Figure 6, the gasesof-combustion from the turbine I2 pass through;the ducts I I8 and ,flow through the heat exchanger II for finaldischarge from the fitting 19.

As previouslydescribed; the shroud 38 is spaced from thecombustion chamber wall 63 to leave a cooling air passage 9|. The rear end of this passage is in communication with the'open ends of the heat exchanger tubes 84, and a portion of the air from the tubes flows through the passage SI to protect the shroud and the wall 63 against the effects of excessive temperatures. The walls 89 and EM of the turbine casing define an annular air space or chamber IZI surrounding the turbine. A row of curved tubes I22 is arranged at the rear of the tube bundle B4 of the heat exchanger and extend from the annular compressed-air passage 82 to the interior of the inner shell I2Il'. A portion of the air from the annular passage 82 flows through the series of tubes I22 and discharges therefrom into the passage I22 to travel forwardly therethrough into the chamber IN. The ducts H8 are spaced apart to leave openings I23 for admitting the cooling air to the chamber MI. The relatively cool air flows forwardly through the chamber I2l in heat exchange relation to the turbinewall I04. A baille I24 is fixed to the web 48 and is arranged in spaced generally parallel relation to the combustion cham ber wall 89 to leave a cooling air passage I25 which extends from the forward portion of the chamber lZI to a point beyond the rear end of the wall 89. The air flowing forwardly through the chamber I 2! passes around the forward end of the baffle I24 to flow rearwardly through the cooling "passage 525. Upon leaving the passage I25, the air flows into the cooling passage 92 between the wall 89 and the shroud so, and continues forward- 1y through the passage ill to discharge into the combustion chamber adjacent its exit. The air supplied to the chamber I2! by the tubes I22 and directed to, flow as just described, cools the turbine casing walls, the combustion chamber wall 89 and shroud 99. As noted above, the streams oi.

relatively cool airleaving the cooling passages 91 and 92, flow over the combustion chamber surfaces at its exit portion ornozzle to protect the same.

The compressor-turbine rotor R is constructed for effective coolingby the internal circulation of circumferentiallyspaced axial ducts I129. The 'ducts 629 are spaced inwardly from and follow,

generally, the peripheral surface of the rotor R,

extending radially from the passage I28 into the rotor enlargement 56, then curving rearwardly and inwardly in generally concentric relation to the curved rear face of the enlargement 56 and continuing rearwardly in parallel relationship to the cylindrical turbine portion of the rotor surface to a collector passage I351 in the rear journaled part of the rotor. The passage 53%) communicates with a return passage I3I, which, extends downwardly through the journal block M and the web 40 to return the oil to the lubricating system as will be more fully described.

The lubricant is supplied to thepassage l28 under substantial pressure and flows through the multiplicity of ducts I29 at a high velocity. The rapidly flowing oil in the series of closely spaced ducts I23 effectively carries heat away from the peripheral zone of the turbine portion of the In Figure 9 I have shown an internal annular passage 280 in the block 4i and a cooling air passage ZBI extending downwardly through the web to and block IBc from the passage 280 to the discharge passage Not the compressor means ID. An annular air-seal groove 282 is provided in the block 4| to surround the rotor R, and has communication with the coolingpassage 288 to receive air under pressure therefrom. The air under pressure in the groove 2B2 prevents the combustion gases in the expansion zone of the turbine from entering the journal block M where'it would contaminate the lubricant in the bearing 43. The airunder pressure supplied to the cavity or passage 230 by the duct 28I cools the block4I and bearing 43, and continuously bleeds awayfrom' the seal groove 282 during tion.

The internally cooled compressor-turbine rotor R is preferably. though not necessarily, produoed in the following manner. The turbine buckets W5 and 1% are separately formed members of precision cast cobalt-alloy or sintered tantalum chromium plated parts. The roots of the buckets are preferably serrated or grooved as shown in Figure 13, and the tip portions of the buckets have Weight reducing cavities I32. The

power plant operabuckets Hi5 and ill-6 are placed in a wax injection mold in the correct relationship to one another, and cores of refractory material are set in the mold to provide for the cooling passages I28 and are and the ducts 229. If preferred, steel tubes may be employed in place of the refractory core. Wax is then injected into the mold and when it has hardened the resultant wax compressor-turbine wheel carrying the buckets is removed from themold. The wax unit is then provided with a coating of refractory. plaster by placing the wax wheel in a container and pouring a liquid chemically hardening refractory plaster mix into the container to cover or immerse the wax unit. Upon hardeningof the plaster, the wax is melted bythe use of steam, or other means, and is poured from the plaster form. The plaster form of mold carrying the imbedded buckets and the core or steel tubes as the case may be, is raised to a temperature of about 2100 degrees Fahrenheit in a neutral atmosphere and molten heat treatable chromium steel is injected into the cavity of the mold. When steel tubes are employed as the core elements,

' cooling air is circulated through them during and following the injection of the molten steel to cool the tubes. The molten steel welds itself to the White hot roots of the buckets H35 and I06, which project from the plaster mold. When the casting has cooled, the plaster mold is broken away and the refractory core, when employed, is removed. The casting is then heated to approximately 1800 Fahrenheit in a neutral atmosphere, and oil quenched and drawn at 900 Fahrenheit. The external surfaces of the casting are then ground as required. The counter-rotating compressor turbine ring 69 may be constructed in substantially the same way as the rotor R.

The character of the transmission employed to speed reduction.

transmltpowerifrom the rotor 'R 'to the driven part, will or" course, depend upon the intended installation and application of the power plant. In the form of the invention illustrated, the speed reducing drive from the turbine to the propeller blading B is contained principally in the forward casing'section 22. The gearing includes two axially aligned .cross shafts I33 having a common axis normal to and spaced forwardly from the forward end of the rotorR. The inner ends of the shafts I33 are carried by bearings I 34in the journal boss 39, while the outer ends of the shafts are mounted in bearings I35. The

,bearings I35.are carried in socketed plates or caps I36 secured to the sections 2I and 22 at radial openings in the casing. The bearings I34 ametrically opposite points to balance the lateral loading while the spiral bevel gearing neutralizes the unbalanced axial thrusts. The gears I38 are of substantial diameter to provide a considerable The transmission further includes a tubular propeller shaft I39 arranged axially in the casing section 22 and carried by spaced anti-friction bearings I40 and MI retained in the casing section. A gear I42 is formed onthe rear end of the shaft I39 and is driven by pinions I43 adjacent the outer ends of the cross shafts I33. The gear I42 is of substantial diameter in relation to the pinions I43 to provide a second stage of speed reduction. The several gears of the transmission are preferably of the spiral bevel type. The transmission is such that in operation the speed of rotation of the rotor pinion I31 may be 120,000 R. P. M., while the rotative speed of the propeller shaft will be 2300 M 'R. P. M., the gear ratios, of course, depending upon the character of the driven part or blading.

The coupling between the shaft I39 and the propeller B may be of any selected type. However, I prefer to employ a curvic face spline connection comprising a flanged insert or block I44 in the forward end of the shaft I39 having an opening for receiving a connection stud and provided with curvic face splines I44 for coopcrating with corresponding splines on the propeller hub assembly.

It is a feature of the invention that the power plant is a self-contained unit embodying a fuel injecting system, a lubricating system, and a starting system, together with a simple, manually settable control or governor system. These several elements are directly or intimately associated with the power plant P and are constructed and arranged so that their principal parts are readily removable for servicing, replacement, etc. Many of these parts are incorporated in a housing assembly removably secured to the power plant casing. In Figure 2 I have shown a fiat surfaces boss I45 on the lower side of the casing section 22 to form a mounting for this assembly. A motor generator case I46 is engaged against the boss I45 to extend downwardly from the power plant, and contains a motor-generator M3 to be more fully described. The above mentioned fuel supply system I6 includes a blower I41 arranged at the lower side of the motor case I45. The blower I41 is of the Roots type or lobed rotor type, and comprises a housing formed of two end plates I48 se arated hv an intermediate mar in plate I49. The plates I48 and I49 are preferably constructed of a hydraulically pressed graphite and'silver combination to make the blower self lubricating. The shaft I 50 of the motor generator passes downwardly through the blower housing and a blower rotor I5I is fixed to the shaft. The two lobed rotors I5I of the blower may be identical and carry meshing timing gears I52.

The pump I53 of the lubricating system I5 is arranged below the blower I41 and its housing is made up of two end plates I54 and amarginal spacer orscroll plate I55. The upper endv plate I54 is formed to have a chamber I51 containing the timing gears I52 of the blower, and the inlet port I58 of the lubricant pump delivers the oil into this chamber. The lubricating pump further includes a rotor I56 fixed to the shaft I50 and operating within the scroll plate I55. The plate I defined a partial scroll chamber for the centrifugal rotor. A carbon seal,.or the equivalent, seals about the hub of the rotor I56.

The pump of the fuel supply system is arranged below the lubricant pump I53 and includes a lower housing plate I63 and a scroll plate I64 arrangedbetween the plate I63and the lower plate I54 of the lubricant pump. The rotor I55 of the fuel pump is fixed to the shaft I 50 of the motor generator to operate within the scroll plate I 64. Elongate cap screws I62 pass through openings in the motorgeneratorcase I46, and through aligned openings in the several plates of the blower I41, the lubricant pump I53 and the fuel pump. The upper end portions of these screws I62 thread into openings in the boss I45 to secure the above described assembly to the power plant casing. Upon unthreading the screws I62, theseveral elements of the unit just described are detachable and made readily accessible.

The lubricant supply system I5 includes the pump I53 described'above which has a discharge port I66 leading through the scroll ring I55 and then downwardly through the plates I63 and IE4 of the fuel pump. The blower of the port I66 extends inwardly to the central opening I61 in the lower plate I63 where it terminates in an annular groove in communication with radial ports I provided in the motor generator shaft I50. A fiuid passage I69 extends upwardly through the shaft I50 from the radial ports, and its upper end discharges into a vertical opening I1I in a stationary trunnion I12 formed on the forward edge of the above mentioned web 38. The lubricant flowing through the shaft I5l serves to cool the armature of the motor-generator. The opening I1I discharges into the boss 39 between the inner ends of the shafts I 33 as shown in Figure 5. The lubricant thus supplied to the boss lubricates the bearings I34 of the cross shafts I33. The cross shafts I33 have longitudinal passages I 13 for conveying the oil from the interior of the boss 39 to the socketed-caps I36 where it lubricates the bearings I35 of the cross shafts.

The above referred to passage I21 in the web 38, and best illustrated in Figure 15, communi cates with the passage IN to receive oil under pressure therefrom, and conducts it to the forward end of the rotor shaft passage I 26 to cool the rotor R and lubricate the bearing 43 at the rear end of the rotor as described above. A portion of the oil flowing from the passage I21 to the passage I26 finds its way to the forward bearing 41 of the rotor. A passage I83 is provided in the member 24 and extends from the port [1 I to the bearing groove H to supply lubricant to the bearings 13 of counter-rotating ring 60 and to flow through the passages I09, H0 and H2 to cool the counter-rotating ring. This lubricant flows into the trough I I3 and discharges through a return passage I15 to reach the interior of the casing section 2|. The passage or duct I83 extends through the web 38, one of the vanes 36 and the wall 55 to reach the groove H which carries the bearing segments of the counter-rotating ring 60.

The lubricating system I5 further includes an oil sump I16 arranged below the power plant at the rear of the auxiliary unit or assembly described in detail above. The sump I16 is preferably a dural casting provided on its external surfaces with deep heat radiating ribs I11. An internal web I18 is provided in the sump I16, and the upper side of the sump has a flat boss or face engaging the under side of the block I80. The block I80 in turn bears upwardly against a horizontal face on the lower end of the above mentioned web 40. Studs or cap screws I8I pass upwardly through vertical openings in the sump I16 and its web I18 and continue upwardly through openings in the block I80 to thread into openings in the lower end of the web 40, thus securing the sump and the block to the power plant case. Horizontal cap screws 260 extend rearwardly through openings in the lower plate I63 and an upper plate or casing section of the above described auxiliary assembly, and thread into openings in the forward flange or boss 26I of the sump to clamp the boss and said assembly in tight engagement.

As above mentioned, the hot lubricant from the rotor cooling passage I29 flows through the collector passage I30 to the oil return port I3I. This return port I3I passes downwardly through the journal block M and continues downwardly through the web 40 and block I80 tol the sump I16 where it communicates with a cooling passage I85. The cooling passage I85 preferably comprises several convolutions in the side wall of the ribbed sump and terminates in a discharge which empties into the sump; see Figure 9. The passage I85 may be provided by casting a suitable coil of copper tubing, or the like, in the sump casting. A lubricant return or drain duct I88 leads from the lower portion of the casing section 2I to the sump I16 to return the oil from the interior of the casing to the sump. The passage I85 arranged as just described brings the returning hot oil in close proximity to the heat dissipating ribs 26 I, and in the event the oil level in the sump becomes low, there is still ample heat dissipation by the ribs I11 adjacent the convolute passage The fuel supply system I8 includes the blower I41 described above. It is preferred to bleed compressed air from the compressor means I0 of the power plant to the inlet side of the blower I41 so that a double stage of compression is obtained for the injection air supplied to the ring 94 of the fuel injecting manifold. A duct I81 extends from the outlet passage 84 or 82 of the compressor means I0 and passes through the web I18 of the sump to the inlet of the blower I41. The air passing through that portion of the duct I81, which is in the web I18, is in heat absorbing or heat transfer relation to the heated oil of the sump whereby the air is heated during its passage to the blower. A duct I88 returns back through the web I18 of the sump to the block I80 so that the compressed air is again heated before delivery to the manifold ring 94. A shuttle valve I90 is interposed between the duct I88 and the above mentioned passage 95, which finally conducts the air to the injection ring 94. The valve I90 as shown in Figure 10 is a cylindrical part slidably arranged in a horizontal opening in the block I80. An annular external groove I9I is provided in the valve I90 and in the open position of the valve, communicates with the two passages I88 and 95 to connect the same. It will be seen that during operation of the power plant the fuel injecting air is compressed by the compressor means I0, is preheated during its passage to the blower 41, is compressed by the blower 41, and is again heated before delivery to the manifold injecting ring 94.

A fuel supply line I 92 leads from a suitable fuel supply now shown, to the intake of the fuel pump, and a duct I93 extends from the high pressure side of the pump through the sump web I18 and the block I80 to the valve I90. The fuel absorbs heat during its passage through that portion of the duct I93 which extends through the web I18. The valve I90 is interposed between the duct I93 extending from the fuel pump and the above referred to passage 95 which conveys the fuel under pressure to the injecting ring 93. The valve I90 is provided with an external annular groove I 94, which communicates with the duct I93 and the passage 96 to allow the free flow of the fuel to the injecting ring I93 when the valve is in its open position.

The starting means I1 is operable to prelubricate the various power plant bearings, raise the fuel pressure, and spout or jet a stream of combustion gases against the buckets I02 of the counter-rotating ring to drive the ring and thus develop sufiicient air pressure in the plant for starting. The sequence control to be later described provides for the diversion of fuel and air pressure to the injecting rings 93 and 94 for the starting and continued power plant operation. The starting means includes a tank I95 positioned within the inner wall I20 of the heat exchanger II; see Figure 6. The tank I95 may be attached to the web 40 and extends rearwardly therefrom in spaced relation to the wallv I28 of the heat exchanger II to leave the annular cooling air passage I22 described above. The rear end of the tank may be provided with a faired or rearwardly convergent cap I96. A single passage I91 extends through the web 40 and block I from the interior of the tank I95 to the valve I90, as shown schematically in Figure 10. A second passage or duct I98 is provided to extend from the valve to a nozzle I 99 formed and arranged to spout against the buckets I02 of the counter-rotating ring 60. The nozzle I99 is of the De Laval type, and extends forwardly through the above mentioned cooling air passage I25 to project forwardly from the wall 89. As illustrated in Figure 10, an end portion of the valve I controls communication between the passages I91 and I98. The valve I90 is biased by a spring 262 to the closed position illustrated in Figure 10 where it closes off communication between the passages I91 and I98.

The starting means I1 provides for the C13.- livery of compressed air and fuel to the starting tank I and for the ignition of the fuel and air mixture therein to create a substantial volume of combustion gases under pressure which are discharged from the nozzle I99 to initiate turbine operation. A branch passage 200 in the web 48 extends from the air pressure passage I88 to the tank passage I91. This branch passage is controlled by the valve I90, the valve having a diametric port 29I which completes the passage plug to: a: pressurepsensitive'z switch-i298:

200 when the valve -isin the-position for-Figure 10;- the passage 280 being closed when the valve' is inits normal 5 open position: The fuel passage I 93' hasa' branch ZB'B eXtending toth'e valve I 98' where 'itcommunicates with an annular external groove-2 82 when the valve is inth'e position illus'-- trated in-Fi'gure 10. An'axial port 203' extends through-thevalvelBilfrom the groove'2ll2 to the' above mentioned diametridair pressure port' ZiliI'. This arrangement provides for the delivery of the fuel to the=air port 2OI, and'the'air'passingthrough that port shears-off 'the' fuel'stream to break up the fuel and assure the delivery ofan. effective fuel andair mixture-to the st'arting tank I951 The starting means I =1 further includes an ignittion system'for igniting the fuel and air mixture inthet'ank I95; A glow plug or'igniting plug: 2U4 is arranged in the block- I88 to have its resistanceglow wire 1 exposed in the-starter tank passage I531. The plug: 204 in. this location is readily accessible and is notsubjected to.- the. high temperaturesgenerated in the combustion; chamber. A l'ead 28i5' extends from: one zterminal; of the plug 264 t'o -a storagebattery! 2061;. and? a. lead 20'!- extends a from the other: terminal: of the: The: pressure operated switch 208- may. be of thexdia phragm or bellows type, and its pressure chamber has communication with. the duct. [811 leading fromt'thedischarge 1325585664? of .the compressor means. I01. Figure lr-diagrammatically illus-- trates a branchilin'e:2G.91"extending fromthexduct- I31: to the: pressure operated .1 switch: to subject the: same: to: the::pressure inithefpassage: 64 of.

the. compressor? means; IIls. The switch: embodies a movable. cont'actor. controlled: bythe pressure. sensitive bellows. and :tiwol'spaced stationary con-- tactsiZI B and -2.:I?Is engaged by thE'COIltECtOT-z in; its.

two positions; 'ThesleadZ-Ill from. therignition; pluglzil liconnects withthe contactfilll; and-.the.

contact'or remains in engagement-with this con.- tact untilaa predetermined pressure:- is. built up by the compressor. means H); A conductor. 2I2" extends from the contactor. of the pressure-rea J sponsivev switch 208) to a' master switch; 4 I3, andthenc'evto-the: battery 206. When themaster switch 4I3'is closed, a-circuit-iis completed.tothe ignition plug, 2 04 'throughthe leads 2 05- and 201, the pressure switch. 239 and the leadzZIZ. The; ignition plug 206 isdesigned to. ignite the. rich: fuel'and-air: mixture in-the tank I95 apredeter'- mined time; subsequent 'to. closing of the masterswitch. 4I3. For example, the. plugZM may be constructed itorcause ignition of the mixture .ten or twelve seconds after closing of: the master switch. I v

Provision is made for automatically shifting. the valve I913 from theflposition of Figure. 10. tothe': open position upon igniting: the fuel. and. air. mixture in the starting tank I535. The valve I90 is stepped-or'graduated;indiameter to have an axially-facing annular pistonsuriace or. shoulder 264. The starter tank passage: I9] or the end portion of the passage 269 communicating therewith,-has a branch port 265 for delivering pres sure to the. piston shoulder 25 ofthevalve. The abovedescribed spring 262 initially holds the valve I9fi'in the positionof Figure 10 where the passage I98- isv closed. Upon igniting of the fuel and'airmixture in the starting tank I95 and its passage. IQ'I, the resultant pressure-is conveyed through'the port-265 to act against the shoulder 2E4; and-the pressure thus applied suddenly, reverses the valve I90. Whenthe valve llfiisthus- 20 reversed} the gases ofl combustion are free to flow through-the passage Hill to" thenozzle- I99 and the: passages I and: I 96 0f 'the-fuel inject-- ingsystemzareopened to receive the'air; and 'fuel 1 under pressure for powerplant operation. Theshifting or reversal ofithe'valve I9llia'lso/closes the' starting fueland airxpa'ssages 253 and' Z'O'DL.

Releasable means is provided to hold the valve I 99 inLthe open. position .where. fuel and: air. under pressure are. delivered: to: the? injecting rings-z 93;- and 84; Thistmeans mayicomprise axspringurg'edi detent 2 6'6. for: cooperating with a". notch 261. in; the: valve I901. Whentthe valve: lellxis; moveditol the open position. by: the: gas pressure: acting: upon. its shoulder 2M;.theJdetentJZSB snapsiinto: the notch: 26%;. The: engagement".offthe detent" 26$.in the notch 28? assistedibythepressureiini theccombustion chamber: II acting upon thetree' duced endzof the valve=I9Il=andconveyedzthereto by the nozzle: I 9:9:and the passages. I98. andl26'5?,. holdsthe valve in theopen'position. The;com"-.- bined efiect of thedetent; 2 66' and .the combustion chamber pressure: acting; on the valveflit overcomes the spring'262. However, whenitl ie-pressure-in the combustion chamber. falls'to agiven: valueat the terminationof power plantopera"? tion; thespring1262 overcomes'thedetent'2:36 and: restores-the valve I-9fl to't'he-position of'Figure. 10 and thus conditions-the? power. plantfor re: starting. From this it.willbe-seen thattheshuttle valve. I90. andthe. associated partsare gov erned by the pressures generated in the starting. tank I95 and the combustion chamber I Ito provide for the power plant startingand stopping:

. sequence.

The motor-generator 213. housedin the; above mentioned case I46: serves to drive the blower. Ml, the, lubricant pump I53= andthe fuel pump, during the starting cycle, torprelubricate the.se.veral bearings. of thepower. plant/and to'supply1 the. mixture of: fueland-air: under. pressuretothe. starting tank. Ifi5. The motor-.--generator, as dia-- grammatically illustrated. in. Figure 1.0: of the drawings, includes aseries field. coil. 214 and. a shunt field. coil 2I5. Aconductor. 241. extends. from-the above mentioned-lead 212. to terminals ofthe-coils-2.I4 and 2&5. and thence to the solenoid. 2180f a voltage-regulator 219 associated- With'thegenerator. A shunt or cut-out line 268.. connects .theseries field coilZM-with thecone tact. 2H. of the pressure control switch-.208 so thatthecoil isv shortedout whenidling speed ofthe. power plant is. approachedor attained. The shuntfieldcoil 2E5 has-one terminal connected to a carbon pile 220 and a tap 22 I connects the other endof themarbonpile and one .sideof. the solenoid 2I.8.with the battery lead 2-l5; thevother' side of the solenoid beingconnected in the. line. 2H. The'carbon pile 2201s varied orcontrolled by a spring urged plunger 221, and thelatter is adaptedto'be acted upon by'the solenoidi2l8.

It will be seen that the motor generator 2 I3 is;

circuitedtoserve as a-motor'when thecontactor.

of the pressure-sensitive switch 2 08'is-1'nengagement with thecontact 210 and is circuited'. to

serve as-a generator when the contactor of switch:

208 ism-engagement with the contact 2H".

A releasable: oroverrunning drive is provided between the motor generator' 2 I3 and the transmissiontof the-power plant rotor R so that. the? I12 andmeshing with the. gear 142;; seei'F,i-gure. 2

The pinion 222 is suported by the trunnion and a bearing 223 carried by the above mentioned boss I45 of the power plant case. The shaft I50 of the motor-generator has its upper end portion supported by a bearing 224 in the case I46, and a plug 225 is arranged in the lower end of the pinion 222 to oppose the end of the shaft. The opposing ends of the shaft I50 and plug 225 have cooperable clutch teeth 220. Spiral splines 221 are provided on the plug 225 and the interior of the pinion 222, and cooperate to feed the plug downwardly and thus engage the clutch teeth 226 when the pinion 222 is driven by the power plant to rotate with respect to the shaft I50 of the motor-generator. Thus when the power plant is in operation the motor-generator is driven to supply current to the battery circuit. When the motor-generator is operating as a motor, the clutch teeth force the plug 225 upwardly to disengage the teeth.

Provision is made for manual operation of the blower I41, oil pump I53 and fuel pump forthe purpose of starting the power plant in the event the battery 206 is dead or weak. This means includes a conveniently located hand crank 230 for driving a flexible cable 23I through the medium of a gear train 232. The cable 23! extends to the lower end of the shaft I50 where it is pro vided with a socket member 233. As illustrated in Figure 2, the socket member is rotatably supported in a bearing cap 234 and is sealed about in the lower plate I83. A plug 235 is arranged in the socket member, and the member and plug have cooperating spiral splines 236 operable to produce axial movement of the plug. The opposing ends of the shaft I50 and plug 235 have overrunning clutch teeth 231. The teeth 231 and the spiral splines 236 are constructed and related so that during rotation of the shaft I50 by the power plant, or by the motor generator 2I3, the teeth 231 are disengaged. However, when the member 233 is rotated by operation of the hand crank 230, the splines 236 feed the teeth of the plug 235 into engagement with the teeth of the shaft I50 so that the blower I41, the fuel pump and the lubricant pump I53 are manually operated, through the drive just described, to condition the power plant for starting. It is to be understood that the manual starting means just described is primarily an emergency device to be employed when the battery is dead.

The speed governing means I8 of the invention provides for substantially constant operating speed of the power plant at any one of a plurality of selected manual settings of a manual throttle or control lever 240. The discharge pressure characteristic of the lubricant pump or the fuel pump is utilized as the control factor of the speed gov- I erning means. In the preferred arrangement illustrated, the discharge pressure characteristic of the fuel pump is employed as the speed gov erning factor. The fuel pump when employed in this manner, has a centrifugal impeller I65 provided with vanes which lean forwardly relative to its direction of rotation. A speed governing valve or throttle valve MI is interposed in the discharge passage I93 leading from the fuel pump. This valve is a discharge pressure operated, manually settable valve, including a piston 242 operating in a cylinder having a branch port 243 which carries the discharge pressure of the fuel pump to act upon the piston. A needle or stem 244 on the piston 242 cooperates with a seat or angular portion of the fuel passage I93 to control the flow of fuel to the injecting means. A lever 246 is operated by the 22 above mentioned throttle lever 240 through the medium of a suitable linkage 241 and a compression spring 248 is arranged between an arm istic with an increase in flow, but the pump curve is substantially flat. The fuel pump discharge pressure varies substantially in accordance with the square of the turbine speed, re gardless of the fuel flow rate change accompanying altitude variations. Therefore, when the throttle lever 240 is set to a given position, at 50% of full speed for example, the spring pressure against the discharge pressure operated piston is adjusted to obtain a substantially constant speed which is practically unaffected by altitude variations, propeller loading and other external conditions. However, the speed will increase slightly with an increase in altitude of the aircraft. The output of the fuel pump and the air pressure conditions in the combustion chamber of the power plant are related so that the fuel flow does not exceed a value where the substantially flat curve characteristics of the pump no longer prevail. As illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings, the throttle lever 240 may have several predetermined and calibrated settings such as Off, Idle, 50% RPM and 100% RPM. When the throttle lever 240 is in the Off position, the stem 244 completely closes the fuel duct I93, and when the lever is in the Start or "Idle position, the valve is cracked or only slightly opened to allow the delivery of fuel sufficient for starting and idling of the power plant.

The above mentioned master switch M3 is preferably associated with the manual throttle so that only a single manual operating member is required to start, stop and control the power plant. In Figure 10 I have shown a lever 210 connected t the linkage 241 for operating the master switch M3. The arrangement is such that the switch M3 is opened when the lever 240 is in the Off position, and closed when the lever is in the other positions.

A drain 215 communicates with the combustion chamber II and the cooling air passage SI, and extends to the atmosphere. The drain 215 serves to carry away excessive fuel in the event the combustion chamber II becomes flooded during starting of the power plant.

Operation To start the power plant, the control or throttle lever 2 30 is moved to the Start or Idle position. This closes the master switch 4I3 to energize the motor generator 2 I3 and to supply current to the igniting plug 200. The motor generator energized by the battery 206 drives the blower I41 to supply air under pressure to the starting tank I05. drives the fuel pump to raise the fuel pressure and supply fuel to the starter tank I95, and drives the lubricant pump I53 to raise the lubricant pressure and prelubricate the various power plant bearings. At this time the valve I is in the position of Figure 10, and the air pressure flows through the branch duct 200 and the port 20! to the starting tank and fuel is supplied through the branch passage 253 and the valve port 203 to the starter tank. At the .end of a predetermined limitedl period established. by" the design or. setting of: the: glow plug 204"; the plug ignites the'rich fuel and air mixture. in th'e' starter.

suresactin'g on itsex-posed endas-above described.

Opening-of thestarter valve l'SOallowsthe combustion gases under pressure to how from the starter tank I95 through the'passagei'QSto spout from thenozzle- I99: Thegases thus discharged by the nozzlelflil-impingeagainst' the buckets I02- ofthec'ounter rotating ringfifl'to spin'the ring.

Opening of the starter" valve ISUa'lso' diverts the air pressure'fromtheblower' M7 to the injection ring 94 and diverts the fuel" under pressurefi'om'thefuel'pumpto thering' 93. The fuel and air mixture thus -introduced intotlie combustion chamber l2 ignites. in the chamber; The plant accelerates to'idling'sp'ee'd by reason of the combustion gases from the chamber 12 driving the turbine l3; which" in'turn, drivesv the compressor means it).v Operation of the compressor means l increases the air pressure at: the discharge passage 64'. of the compressor; pressure in the passage t i're'aches' a given value,

thecontactor of the-pressure sensitive switch'2ll'8' moves-from theicont'act' are: tov the contact 211' to. de-energize the glow plug 204' and'ito. disconnect the motor-generator Eli" from. the battery.

2116'. W-lienthe pinion 22 -is driven by the power plant. relative. to. the motor-generator. shaft. I50;

theoverrunning clutch teeth 2'28 engage so that; themotor-generator is driven by the power'plant' to supply current to the battery. circuit under the control of the. voltage. regulator 219. When the throttleor. control. lever 24!! ismoved tov a position to put the power plant on a power producing basis,,the.motor-generator becomes an effective electricali generator.

It istobe particularly'noted that'the starting sequence'is automatic, and for normal starting it is only'necessary-to move the lever 240 to the starting position. In theevent the power plant fails to-start, the lever 240 may be restored to the Off position and then again move to the starting position-where theabove described operations are repeated;

The present invention provides aconstant pressure gas turbine power plant of small size that has an efiiciency comparable-with the best efliciencies of small. reciprocating gasoline engines, and that produces more horsepower per unit of weight than reciprocating engines. lhe power plant of this invention has fewer parts, is more compact, andhas a longer life than reciprocating engines, and is perfectly balanced and substantially vibrationless. Furthermore, the power mam is well adapted for mass production methods of fabrication and its integrated accessories facilitate assembly and servicing.

Having describedonly a typical form of the invention, I do not wish to be limited to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserveto myself any variations or-modifications that may'appearit'othose skilled in theart or fall withinithescope' of the following claims.

Ii claim:

1; Irran internal combustion gas turbine power plant; a rotor carrying compressor impeller blading andturbine blading, stationary: diffuser blad- When the ing spaced around theimpeller b1ading,.a-.rotatable. ring; surrounding the impeller bla'dingiof the rotor: and having. difiuser blading between; said impeller blading and said stationary diffuser bladiing, combustion-chamber receiving theaircom. pressed by said blading; and supplying combustion.- gases to'the turbine blading to. drive the rotor,.

and buckets'on said'ring acted upon:by. said gases to rotate. the ringcounter to the direction-ofzrota'-- tion of the rotor;

2. In an internal combustion. gas. turbine. acompressor means comprising impellerv blading on the rotor, airotatable ringgsurrounding' the impeller blading of the rotor, diffuser bladingi on the ringin cooperative relation to theiimpellerf comprising a casing: around the rotor dehning an expansion zone, and" rotor,

blading, turbine means buckets-on the rotor operating in. said?- zon'e;.a

combustion chamber receiving the compressed air: from the compressor means and having ai COIlT- stricted-outlet discharging combustion gasesiinto the expansion zone, and blading on. said; ring extending into-said outlet. and actedupon by said" gases to rotate said ringin' adirection-counter' to the direction of rotation ofthe rotor.

3. In an internal combustion gas turbine, a-

compressor means comprising impeller rotor, blading on the rotor, turbine means comprisingbuckets on" the rotor, a combustion chamber surrounding the turbine means anddischarging' com-- bustion gases into the turbine means, and an annular heat exchanger in coaxial relation with the rotor and in axial alignment with-the combustion chamber receiving the exhaust gases from the turbine means and conducting compressed air from the compressor means to the combustion chamber.

4. In an internal. combustion gas turbine, a compressor means comprising impeller blading on the rotor, turbine means including. buckets on. the rotor, a combustion chamber in spaced surrounding relation to the turbinepmeans for discharging combustion gases into the turbinemeans, .the combustion chamberincludinga sub-- stantially annular wall spacedlaround the turbine means to leave a cooling chamber between therotor,

turbine means and combustion chamber, a substantially annular bafiie spaced within. said wall.

in generally. concentric relation thereto. to there'- with define a cooling. passage, the. forward end of the passage having. communication with the cooling.chambe1',,and means for conductingicompressed air from .the compressor means to the rear ends of. the combustion chamber and cooling 1 chamber to flow forwardly through both chambers,.said cooling passage conducting the air rearwardly out of" the cooling chamber.

5. Inaninternallcombustion gas turbine power the combustion chamber, and conduit meanszforv diverting a portion of said. air: past the heat exchanger and to said. cooling air chamber for circulation therethrough.

6. In an. internal combustion gasturbine power plant; a rotor, compressor means including im- 'peller blading on the rotohuturbine meansineluding a casing spaced arounda portion of the rotor tor define an expansionwzone, buckets on i said portion of the rotor operating in the expansion zone a combustion chamber around said casing having an outlet discharging substantially radially into the expansion zone, an elongate ing air tubes discharging forwardly into the com-- bustion chamber, and a channel passing rearwardly around the combustion chamber for conducting compressed vair from the compressor means to the rear ends of said tubes'for flow therethrough to the combustion chamber.

7. In an internal combustion gas turbine power plant, a rotor having a portion of enlarged external diameter intermediate its ends, the opposite sides of said portion being curved radially and axially, compressor means including im peller blades projecting from one side of said rotor portion curved both axially and radially with respect to the rotor, turbine means including turbine blading projectin from the other side or" said rotor portion curved both axially and radially thereof, and a combustion chamber receiving compressed air from the compressor means and discharging combustion gases substantially radially into the turbine means.

8. In an internal combustion gas turbine power plant; a compressor-turbo rot-or having a portion of increased external diameter presenting opposite side surfaces, compressor impeller blades projecting substantially axially in one direction from one side surface of said; portion and curved both axially and radially of the rotor, and turbine bladin projecting substantially axially in the other direction from the other side surface of said portion and curved both axially and radially of the rotor.

9. In an internal combustion gas turbine power plant, a compressor-turbo rotor having a portion of increased external diameter, compressor means including compressor blading projecting from one side of said portion, turbine means including an expansion zone and blading projecting from the other side of said portion operating in said expansion zone, a combustion chamber receiving the compressed air from said compressor means and discharging combustion gases into said expansion zone, and sealing means at the periphery of said rotor portion between the compressor means and the discharge portion of the combustion chamber.

10. In an internal combustion gas turbine power plant, a compressor-turbo rotor having a portion of increased external diameter having opposite side surfaces, compressor means including compressor blading projecting from one side surface of said portion, turbine means including an expansion zone and blading projecting from the other side surface of said portion operating in said expansion zone, a combustion chamber having an exit discharging combustion gases into the expansion zone at said other side of said rotor portion, channel means for conducting compressed air from the compressor means to the combustion chamber, and sealing means at the periphery of said rotor portion between the compressor means and the discharge portion of the combustion chamber.

11. In an internal combustion gas turbine, an

26 expansion zone, a combustion chamber for supplying gases of combustion to the expansion zone, a compressor casing, a rotor, turbine blading on the rotor operating in the expansion zone, compressor blading on the rotor operating in said casing, a rotatable ring having diffuser blading in surrounding relation to said compressor blading,.means for conducting the compressed air "from the diffuser blading to the combustion chamber, buckets on the ring positioned to be acted upon by the gases of combustion entering the expansion zone to rotate the ring counter to the direction of rotation of the rotor, the ring "having internal coolant ducts, and means for circulating coolant through the ducts.

12. In an internal combustion turbine, an axial flow turbine, a, combustionchamber for supplying combustion gases to -the turbine, compressor means driven by the turbine for supplying compressed air to the combustion chamber and a heat exchanger comprising an annular casing extending rearwardly from the turbine and receiving the exhaust gases therefrom, an annular conduit carrying the compressed air from the compressor means and extending rearwardly therefrom in surrounding relation to said casing, and tubes extending axially through said casing to conduct the air to the combustion chamber and having rear portions curved outwardly to receive the compressed air from said conduit and having their forward ends discharging into the combustion chamber.

13. In an internal combustion turbine plant, a combustion chamber, an expansion zone for receiving the combustion gases from said chamber and having an entrance in communication with said chamber, a turbine rotor having impulse blading operating in said chamber, a rotatable turbo-compressor ring surrounding the rotor, and a row of pure reaction blades projecting axially from the ring at the entrance of said chamber acted upon by said gases to rotate the ring counter to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

14. In an internal combustion turbine power plant; turbine means, compressor means operated by the turbine means, a combustion chamber connected between the compressor means and the inlet of the turbine means and surrounding the turbine means in spaced relation thereto to leave a cooling space, shrouds spaced from the inner and outer walls of the combustion chamber to therewith define cooling air passages in communication with said space, and means for directing air from the compressor means to said space for flow through said space and said passages.

15. In a gas turbine power plant, a rotor, a compressor housing section around a portion of the rotor, compressor blading on the rotor operating in the housing, a counter-rotating ring surrounding a portion of the rotor and carrying second stage compressor blading, a sectional annular member between the rotor and ring urged outwardly against the ring by centrifugal force, an axial face on the rotor, sealing means on the member for sealing with said face, a combustion chamber receiving compressed air from said blading, and turbine blading on another portion of the rotor and on said ring acted upon by the gases of combustion from said chamber to drive the rotor and ring in opposite directions.

NATHAN C. PRICE.

(References on following page) REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record-in the file ofthis patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS .Name Date Rumberg Au .,13, 1912 ,Rendano July 25, 1916 Melrose Dec. 5, 1916 Elsea, .De.c. 29, 1931 ,Laderriere Sept. 4, 1934 gLasley Oct. ,6, 1936 Lysholm Oct. 27, 19.36 ;Las1 ey Mar. 29,1938 .Couzinet Man-26, 1940 ,Traupel -May 20, 1941 Jendrassik May 27, 1941 Number ,Birmann June 14, 19,49 

